“Transparency is all I ever want to give off in my life [and] music” Teddy Swims tells Happy Mag of his just-released album.
Atlanta singer-songwriter Teddy Swims has had quite the year.
Since releasing his latest EP Sleep is Exhausting in 2022, the musician has collaborated with the likes of ILLENIUM, Meghan Trainor and MK, alongside sharing a now-viral cover of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ that was reposted by celebrities Julia Garner and Timbaland.
With such starry accolades to his name, one might think that Teddy Swims is due for a well-earned rest. Think again, as the genre-hopping artist has today (September 15) shared his new album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1).
The ten-song project was previewed by the singles Lose Control and What More Can I Say, with the remaining tracklist spanning piano-driven ballads and groovy pop bangers.
In celebration of the album’s release, we caught up with Teddy Swims for a chat about all things I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy, vulnerability and his quest to “be the best.”
Catch Happy Mag’s full interview with Teddy Swims below, and scroll down to listen to I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1).
HAPPY: Your new single Lose Control explores feelings of love and addiction. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how you translated those emotions into its soulful sound?
TEDDY SWIMS: Lose control is very personal to me. It came from a place of being in a toxic relationship. At some point the only substance we had in our relationship was the substances we were abusing.
Our relationship became very much about the lifestyle we had together and the dependency we had on them became the dependency we had on eachother. The line became very blurred and hard to break that cycle.
HAPPY: The chorus in Lose Control highlights your incredible vocal range. How do you approach infusing such raw emotion into your singing while maintaining the technical aspects of the performance?
TEDDY SWIMS: I’m a fan of the voice and the instrument it is! I’ll always believe that singing is more acting than it is singing and my life off the stage is more important to people believing the things I sing because it reflects my life. Transparency is all I ever want to give off in my life, music, and performance.
HAPPY: Your debut album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1) is generating a lot of anticipation. What can fans expect from this album in terms of themes, musical styles, and your artistic evolution?
TEDDY SWIMS: Honesty.
HAPPY: Your song’s theme of addiction within a relationship is quite unique. How do you think your music resonates with listeners who might relate to the complex dynamics you’re addressing?
TEDDY SWIMS: I hope that it helps them! If not, I hope it lets them know they aren’t alone in feeling that way.
HAPPY: Could you walk us through your recording process for the album? How do you approach translating your artistic vision from your mind to the final recorded tracks?
TEDDY SWIMS: In so many ways I just try to stay out of the way of what my heart is trying to say! Or the universe or god or whatever you wanna call it!
HAPPY: Lose Control is a glimpse into your upcoming album. How do you feel your creative approach has evolved between the singles you’ve released and the album as a complete body of work?
TEDDY SWIMS: I couldn’t quite say how it’s evolved but I can say it’s become more open and vulnerable.
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HAPPY: Your music often draws from personal experiences. How do you strike a balance between sharing your unique stories and crafting lyrics that resonate with a wider audience?
TEDDY SWIMS: I don’t worry too much about balancing too much between what people relate to and what I feel. We are meant to understand each other and so many people are going through the same things.
So, the more vulnerable and truthful I am about myself the more it continues to resonate with the people it’s meant to find.
HAPPY: Your songs often carry a sense of vulnerability. How do you find the courage to open up, and what do you hope your fans take away from that vulnerability?
TEDDY SWIMS: I am learning everyday how to be more vulnerable! I hope that people take away that being vulnerable is the strongest thing you can be! Honesty is the only thing that matters!
You’re allowed to feel the way you feel! You are not crazy! And if you aren’t in a place where you can say the things you need to say you’re in the wrong place!
HAPPY: With your debut album on the horizon, what are your aspirations for your music career?
HAPPY: I wanna be the best.
HAPPY: How do you envision your artistry evolving as you continue to explore new creative territories?
TEDDY SWIMS: I find that the more I continue to step into my purpose everything else falls into place so I hope to find that if I continue down this path that everything meant for me will come to me and there’s no way I can lose
HAPPY: Lastly, what makes you happy?
TEDDY SWIMS: I used to feel like fulfilment and happiness were the same! I’m very fulfilled. I do the best job in the world with my best friends and make a difference for people doing it! But I have to choose everyday to be happy and choose happiness at every corner!
I think happiness can only come from within one’s self. It’s no one’s job or pursuit but yours! So to answer that question… It changes, sometimes daily, but my pursuit of happiness is the most important thing in my life.
